Yediyurappa seeks Bharat Ratna for Captain Smit Machchhar. Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has urged the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on Indian-origin Captain Smit Machchhar, citing his courage in saving the lives of about 174 people. Speaking at a press conference in Kalaburagi, Yediyurappa appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of India to consider the award for Captain Machchhar.